1-1 1 1-2 SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 781 1-3 In Memory 1-4 of 1-5 Earl Wesley Smith 1-6 WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the 1-7 citizens of San Angelo and the legal community in honoring the life 1-8 and work of prominent lawyer and civic leader Earl Wesley Smith, 1-9 who died March 20, 2001, at the age of 81; and 1-10 WHEREAS, The life of one individual can have a remarkable 1-11 impact on the lives of many, and such a person was Earl Smith who 1-12 contributed to the progress and development of his city and his 1-13 profession; and 1-14 WHEREAS, Born the son of James William Smith, Sr., and 1-15 Sallie Elizabeth Baskin Smith, on November 6, 1919, Earl graduated 1-16 from Plainview High School, completed his undergraduate work in 1-17 1940 at Schreiner Institute, and entered The University of Texas 1-18 School of Law; and 1-19 WHEREAS, Exchanging vows with his beloved, 1-20 Hattie Mozelle Owens on August 31, 1941, Earl interrupted his 1-21 marriage and his schooling in May, 1942, to serve his country 2-1 as a radio operator in the United States Army Air Corps during 2-2 World War II; and 2-3 WHEREAS, He returned to law school after the war to 2-4 complete his studies and graduated in June, 1947; he moved to 2-5 San Angelo in 1947 and opened a private law practice; and 2-6 WHEREAS, Serving as San Angelo City Attorney, Tom Green 2-7 County Attorney, 51st Judicial District Attorney, 51st Judicial 2-8 District Judge, and 3rd Court of Appeals Judge, Mr. Smith earned 2-9 the admiration and respect of all who were associated with him; 2-10 and 2-11 WHEREAS, He devoted much of his time and energies to the 2-12 Juvenile Delinquency Committee of the Family Law Association and 2-13 the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure and Texas Penal Code revision 2-14 committee; in addition, he lectured on criminal law at the Judicial 2-15 College at Sam Houston State University and actively participated 2-16 in the Tom Green County Bar Association; and 2-17 WHEREAS, The outstanding attorney was also a staunch 2-18 Democrat who served his political party with the same fervor he 2-19 displayed in his profession; he was Tom Green County Democratic 2-20 chairman and the West Texas State Democratic committeeman for two 2-21 terms; and 2-22 WHEREAS, Serving on the San Angelo Independent School 2-23 District board, he worked tirelessly for the desegregation of the 3-1 district and was instrumental in the building of San Angelo Central 3-2 High School and sports stadium; and 3-3 WHEREAS, A devout Christian, Mr. Smith was a deacon and 3-4 elder at Johnson Street Church of Christ and, after moving to 3-5 Austin, he gave generously of his time as an elder at University 3-6 Avenue Church of Christ; and 3-7 WHEREAS, In living his life to the fullest, this warm and 3-8 compassionate gentleman worked diligently as president of the 3-9 West Texas Christian Foundation to aid in the realization of a 3-10 dream for a senior citizen retirement center; and 3-11 WHEREAS, His wisdom, kindness, and valued counsel will be 3-12 remembered with affection by all who knew and loved him, and his 3-13 absence will be deeply felt; now, therefore, be it 3-14 RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 3-15 77th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the 3-16 family of Earl Wesley Smith: his wife, Mozelle Owens Smith; 3-17 his children, Bobby Earl Smith and Judy Smith, Janice Smith Moss, 3-18 Martha Nell Smith, and Marilee Lindemann; his brother, 3-19 James W. Smith, Jr.; and his four grandchildren; and, be it further 3-20 RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 3-21 the members of his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from 3-22 the Texas Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do 3-23 so in memory of Earl Wesley Smith. 4-1 Wentworth 4-2 ______________________________________ 4-3 President of the Senate 4-4 I hereby certify that the above 4-5 Resolution was adopted by the Senate 4-6 on April 20, 2001, by a rising vote. 4-7 ______________________________________ 4-8 Secretary of the Senate 4-9 ______________________________________ 4-10 Member, Texas Senate